CSCS: Council of Senior Centers and Services of NYC, Inc.

El Diario NY Article

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

By JOSE ACOSTA/EDLP

Publication & Publisher: El Diario NY

The blind Flora Ruiz, 65, would be
affected by the cuts.
Jose Acosta / EDLP

NEW YORK - Dozens of seniors took their voices of protest yesterday to the Mayor of New York, against cuts in the budget for the Department for the Aging proposed by the city, resulting in reduction in services and closure of 50 schools the elderly.

Bobbie Sackman , director of public policy of the Council of Senior Centers & Services of NYC, CSCS , explained that the budget is scheduled for a reduction of $ 44 million, 25% of all local funds for services for the elderly, plus $ 4.2 million for additional the closure of 50 senior centers.

"We have gathered more than 200 elders of the city to tell the mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council , not senior centers must close or reduce services for this most vulnerable population, "said Sackman.

The State Legislature restored on Monday $ 18 million in state budget under Title 20 funds, according to Sackman, prevent the closure of 60 senior centers additional, but not the 50 sites proposed by the city, as they receive funds from other source.

But according to state Sen. Ruben Diaz, chairman of the Senate Aging Committee , is the City Council that it is up to take this $ 18 million and granted so as to avoid the closure of schools.

"I, with my pressure and my opposition, I got the refund of the $ 18 million for the elderly, money needed for not closing the centers, and I hope the city is intended for this purpose," said Diaz.

Council members James Vacca, Melissa Mark-Viverito and Diana Reyna said yesterday that the welfare of the elderly is a priority for them and fight to avoid cuts in this sector.

"We're talking about a generation that worked until retirement age, and now they need the cooperation of the city you want to reduce services and places where they give food and help," said Reyna.

Flora Ruiz, 65, who, being blind can not prepare their own food, asked yesterday that it closed the center to which she attends, the Encore in Midtown.

"At the heart give us nutritional meal to $1.50, or to what you can afford, and there we exercise and entertain us," said Ruiz.

One center in the black list is the Washington Lexington El Barrio.

"We provide services to some 600 people, 30 who attend the center and the rest in Meals on Wheels programs, volunteers, case assistance, recreation, mental health," said Mary Alexander , director of the Washington Lexington.

Among those affected by Washington Lexington Senior Center are Antonieta Maratea, 94, Carmen Velez , 64, Elsa González , 66, and Célida Medina , 79.

The Department for the Aging promised a comet, which was not issued at press time.